Stardust Opening Training School

The Stardust Opening Training School (OTS) was the first network-wide training event, and was held at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland on 18-22 November 2013.

The goal of the school is to ensure all the new researchers in Stardust start off with a common base

of knowledge within the key subjects underpinning the monitoring and removal/deflection of space debris and asteroids, such as orbital dynamics, celestial mechanics, robotics, navigation and control, and optimisation. There will be approximately 20 hours of lectures taught by leading experts in the field and members of Stardust, 10 hours of lectures taught by invited international guests, 5 hours of group work, 4 hours of extra curricular material and 2 evening public talks.

Social activies such as dinners and tours are also planned, as this is the first time the whole network, including the new researchers, will have a chance to meet. Teamwork is vital for the success of the network, both as a research tool and for training. As the network is spread out over Europe, at 14 different institutions, events like the training schools are important to help everyone get to know each other.

The school will also coincide with the first network meeting, to be held at the end of the week.

One of the distinctive features of this ITN project is the existence of Working Groups. Working Groups will engage into medium term cross-disciplinary projects, attempting the solution of problems either proposed by some partners in this ITN or by people external to the ITN. Ideas for projects are now accepted (Call for Ideas)